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Have, any of you attempted it, and with any sucess? I want to redo my boats upholstery and after doing some research online it doesn't seem like it would be that hard, maybe a little practice with a sewing maching. Does anyone have any advice?
Which type/parts/pieces of upholstery are you considering re-doing?

What kind of boat?

In some cases, it's cheaper to just buy new vs re-upholstering - depending on what it is.
it's a 19ft open bow maxum, I planned on redoing all of the seats in it,
Take it apart a piece at a time (notice I said take it apart don't tear it apart), use as patterns and go back together with it. I've done several over the years. It does help if you can sew a straight line, if not talk wife or friend into helping. If all else fails practice sewing straight lines before you start.
Originally Posted by Irving_D
it's a 19ft open bow maxum, I planned on redoing all of the seats in it,


An open bow negates the idea just buying new. There's too many "custom" pieces.

I had a buddy that owned an upholstery shop and I used hang out there and watch him work. It's not rocket science. I think the biggest issue for someone doing it on their own would be having a sewing machine that's capable of the job.

You can do it yourself, but to make it look acceptable is a different thing altogether. I had an old open-bow Tahiti jet boat that I attempted this on years ago, and it turned out like crap. I wound up taking the pieces to a small reputable shop, and it was well worth the labor cost, especially at resale time.
The best work I did was in the re-manufacturing of the seat frames themselves, which had all but completely rotted away. I made new ones out of marine plywood and coated them with multiple coats of Man-O-War. I would guess that those frames are still good today.
One very strong recommendation if you do decide to give it a go, is to use monel or stainless staples. I tell the same to those folks who re-carpet their trailer bunks.
+1 on the stainless staples.

That and don't get stingy with the contact cement. Staples and contact cement works mo betta.
If you're using the existing upholstery as a pattern make sure to cut your new pieces a little smaller to allow for stretch over the life of the seats. Otherwise they will get loose and sloppy looking after a pretty short period.
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